What would a tour of Scotland be without a visit to a distillery, then having a “wee dram” of their product, single malt whiskey? I am not a scotch drinker, though Henry is. In fact, until this tasting, to me all scotch whiskeys tasted somewhat like hair tonics smelled. It was my idea to pay a visit to the Morangie Distillery, just down the road from Mansfield Castle Hotel, where we were staying. The cluster of stone barns where the scotch is distilled, were nestled on Dornoch Firth in what the locals refer as the “Glen of Tranquility”. Nearby is the source of the water, Tarlogie Springs,us ed in Glenmorangie whiskey, Scotland’s “favorite dram” The water that pours forth here is rich in minerals and is uniquely hard. However, the secret of this particular scotch whiskey happens to be in the shape and size of the swan-neck copper stills, originally purchased from gin distillers in London in 1843. These stills were taller than ordinary whiskey stills, and cheaper, too. Because of the shape and height of the stills in this distillery, only the lightest and purest spirit make it into the final malt. Henry and I were invited to learn about the wide range of Glenmorangie whiskies, including the classic 10 Years Old Single Highland Malt, limited editions and vintages, and the wood finished malts. When offered a sample dram, Henry chose the Nectar d’Or, a delicious complex base spirit, that after a minimum in ex-bourbon casques, is then extra-matured in specially hand-selected sauternes wine barriques. I chose the first scotch I have even been able to drink: the Quinta Ruban, a velvety-textured single malt whiskey. This matured Glenmorangie scotch whiskey is transferred from the original ex-bourbon casks, then extra-matured or “finished” in port pipes, shipped from ‘Quintas’ the wine estates of Portugal. Maturation in ruby port pipes develops the Quinta Ruban into a “voluptuously smooth spirit with a complex balance of sweet and dry flavors that engage the entire palate and envelop it in an intriguing balance of smooth velvet and crisp, cooling textures”. Fortunately, we had a very short drive back to the castle, a short climb to our room in the tower, and a hot shower!

Note: The proper pronunciation of this scotch: “Glen-morange-e” (as in orange + long e).

PHOTOS: Left Column: 1. Glenmorangie Distillary with its cluster of stone barns at “Tranquility Glen” on Dornoch Firth near Tain. 2. A display of Glenmorangie bottles in the Shop at the Distillary. 3. A museum display at the distillery: an advertisement featuring the swan-neck stills used in distilling the spirits of scotch whisky here. The statement at the bottom right: “A little nearer heaven than other Malt Whiskies”. Center, Top: Door to one of the barns at Glenmorangie Distillery.  Center, Bottom: Boxes and boxes of Glenmorangie Whiskey, the Original, sold at the Shop. Right Column: 1. A vintage label displayed at the museum. 2. Map of Glenmorangie Distilleries in Scotland and England, with an arrow pointing to the location of the one we visited in Tain, Northern Highlands.